How
to restrain horses, donkeys and mules
Horses, donkeys and mules are called equines.
Equines can kick and bite and there are a number of different
ways to control these animals in order to examine, treat or shoe them. |
Learning objectives
After studying this unit you should know:
1 What are equines.
2 How to use the twitch.
3 How to restrain equines.
4 Hobbling equines.
Equine animals
Equines are the members of the horse family and have single
hoofed feet. The equines are the horse, donkey, mule and hinny. The
father of the hinny is a horse and the mother is a donkey.
Using the twitch
The twitch is a simple tool used to control equine animals. You
can make one from a strong, thick stick in one end of which is a hole
through which is passed a loop of rope 30 cm. long. The twitch is put on
the muzzle.
Put your hand through the loop and hold the animal's muzzle. Slip
the rope over your hand and twist the stick to tighten the rope around
the muzzle.
Do not put the twitch on the animal's ear as this is very painful.
Using the twitch
Hobbling animals
A set of hobbles consists of four straps each of which has a
metal ring attached to it. A rope is passed through the rings. Pulling
the rope will make the animal fall and when it is down the head should
be held down to keep it down. An animal is hobbled in order for it to be
examined or castrated.
Hobbling the back legs only is done to the mare when she is mated
to a valuable stallion. The hobbles prevent her from injuring the
stallion.
Hobbling animals
Lifting one leg to control the animal
Holding one leg up will stop the animal moving or kicking. This
will make it easier to examine, check its teeth or take its temperature.
It will be necessary to restrain the animal's head. It may be necessary
to use the twitch on the muzzle to fully restrain it.
Holding front leg while temperature is taken
Covering the animal's head (blindfolding)
Putting a blanket, coat or sack over both the eyes will calm an animal and make it easier to restrain.
Opening the mouth
Hold one ear and slip your other hand between the incisors and
the cheek teeth and pull the tongue out. The tongue of the horse, unlike
that of the cow, is long. This is useful when checking the cheek teeth
in ageing the animal, rasping teeth or administering drenches.
Opening the mouth